PLANS to build a budget superstore in Holmfirth have received a mixed reception, but a large number of positive responses, according to the company that wants to build there.

German supermarket company Lidl has unveiled plans to build a store on the site of Sicame Electrical Developments, off Huddersfield Road.

Lidl is expected to submit an application for the 1,518 square metre development to Kirklees Council within the next six months.

Part of the Sicame complex would be demolished to make way for the store.

Sicame, which makes electrical cable connectors, has confirmed it will be moving its manufacturing division to Leeds Road.

The supermarket company has claimed that 70% of money spent on food and drink by villagers goes to businesses further afield, such as Morrisons, in Meltham.

Proposals for the store, which is expected to provide up to 25 jobs, were shown publicly at Holmfirth Civic Hall. Lidl laid out free food to sweeten the plans’ reception.

Adrienne Forrest, acquisitions manager for Lidl, said customers might be given extra parking time in the Lidl car park to encourage them to visit shops in Holmfirth town centre.

Ms Forrest said: “There is a large population and there’s only a Co-op serving them in Holmfirth and that gives potential for someone else.

“Feedback has been mixed but there’s been a very large number of positive responses.”

Several residents praised the plans yesterday welcoming the prospect of a wider range of cheaper food and drink.

Gary Wood, 42, of Holmfirth, said he couldn’t wait for Lidl to set up shop in the village.

He said: “We definitely want it – the sooner they can start the better.

“There’s no choice in Holmfirth and we have to travel to Meltham.

“If we got a Lidl we might spend more in town.”

But John Garrard, 72, of Holmfirth was less convinced.

Mr Garrard said: “I don’t think it will employ many people. The external design – certainly from the road – is inappropriate to the area.

“I’m not sure about the road safety with all the traffic going in and out of there.

“I’m not convinced it’s the sort of shop we need in the area.

“The Co-op isn’t cheap, but it’s a community shop that provides a wider range of resources.

“So far local shops are coping but maybe they won’t with a Tesco or Lidl.”